Astrium to develop in Italy

Paris,  21 December 2011

•         Astrium to acquire majority stake in Space Engineering, the Italian specialist in telecommunications and radar technology
•         This investment demonstrates Astrium’s commitment to the Italian market
•         Through Space Engineering, Astrium will enhance its product offering to both the institutional and commercial markets and increase its R&D investment

Astrium, Europe’s leading space company, entered into an agreement pursuant to which it will acquire 66.78% of Space Engineering, a specialist in digital telecommunications, RF and antenna equipment engineering for both space and ground based applications. This acquisition of the Rome headquartered company will enhance Astrium’s capability to develop and manufacture sophisticated telecommunications hardware. The purchase demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Italian space market.

Francois Auque, CEO Astrium, said: “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to Italy, a key player in space, and we will build upon Space Engineering’s established product offering, in developing competitive and innovative technologies. As a trusted partner of both the Italian and European Space Agencies, Space Engineering will further strengthen our portfolio, enabling us to provide cutting-edge digital telecommunications and RF technologies – essential for our institutional and commercial customers.”

With sites in Rome and southern Italy (near Potenza), Space Engineering and its main subsidiary, Teleinformatica e Sistemi, specialise in the development of telecommunications, navigation and remote sensing applications and engineering services for both the civilian and defence sectors. The 150 employee company also has extensive expertise in the modelling, design and development of ground based telecommunication hardware and antennas, along with facilities for the assembly, integration and testing of space equipment.

Becoming part of Astrium will enable Space Engineering to make the next step forward in terms of development by giving it access to new markets.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.